The following report was issued Feb. 12 by the office of state Rep. John Yates.
“Due to my position as Chairman of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee, perhaps the biggest thing that happened this week was a visit to the Capitol by Gen. Caldwell, the president of the Georgia Military College at Milledgeville. Since I spent a couple of days there during graduation week last year I have a special interest in them.
A number of Georgians think that their children, especially boys, are better disciplined in a military school. I will say that it was especially meaningful to see boys from grade one through college parading in their sharp uniforms. Although I was only in the military for 3 years and 3 months during World War II it made a lasting impression on me and shaped my life for the better.
The following bills were passed this week:
H.B. 870 requires that high schools which receive state funding cannot participate in an athletic association which prohibits religious expression on athletic clothing. This bill also de facto prevents the high school athletic association from prohibiting member schools from participating in scrimmage games with non-member schools. The bill passed the House 136-25.
H.B. 821 requires professional licensing boards and other boards to adopt rules and regulations implementing a process by which military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for temporary licenses, licenses by endorsement, expedited licenses, or a combination of these for each profession, business, or trade for which a license is issued. The bill passed the House 164-0.
H.B. 757 this bill relates to marriage generally, and replaces it with ministerial protections. Specifically, clergy ordained or authorized to solemnize marriages, according to the usages of his or her denomination and acting in an official religious capacity, shall not be required to solemnize any marriage in violation of his or her right to free exercise of religion under the United States or Georgia Constitutions. A refusal by such clergy shall not give rise to a cause of action. The bill passed the House 161-0.
We are not passing many bills and are concentrating mainly on the FY 2017 budget. We will be in adjournment the next two days then in session through Feb. 29.
If you would like to talk to me about the budget or any item of government; I can be reached in my office at Room 217 State Capitol each day at 404-656-5126 or at my home before 8 p.m. at 770-227-1474. I can also be reached by email at John.Yates@house.ga.gov.
